IZOD IndyCar

Buhl Breaks In Nazareth

In his Dayton Indy Lights Championship Series days, Buhl was a master of the 1-mile track in Pennsylvania. He won twice there (1991, 1992) and clinched that series’ championship there in 1992.

On Tuesday, Buhl opened a new chapter of racing at the D-shaped oval when he tested his No. 24 G Force-Infiniti for Dreyer & Reinbold Racing in preparation for the inaugural Indy Racing League race on April 21.

Buhl topped 175 mph on a cool, sunny day in Lehigh Valley.

“Nazareth Speedway is a place where I have had success,” Buhl said. “I am really looking forward to the April race. I have won a couple times in the Indy Lights here, and in 1992 this is where I clinched the championship.”

Buhl has a fair amount of experience at the track, and he expects it will be a good fit for the IRL cars.

“The focus of this test is on getting comfortable and running consistent lap times,” Buhl explained. “The setup is so important here. From what we have seen with this package, the Indy cars are going to put on a good show here.

“There will be challenges for the lead and close competitive racing all day. It will get exciting when two or three guys are battling for the lead and have to maneuver around lap traffic.”

Tickets for the inaugural IRL event will go on sale Dec. 15. The weekend of action will include the USAC Sprint, Midget and Silver Crown cars.